I just moved to start a research scientist position, which has put me really behind on the job market search. I'm just getting around to it now and I see that there are several positions I'm interested in with deadlines in mid- to late September, which I'm obviously missing.

Does anyone have any information or advice on whether it still makes sense to apply for these positions? Most don't say the position is closed as much as 'review of applications begins…'

The issue is partly getting my application materials together, but more my letter writers. There is just no way they are going to get letters in within a week. Maybe I could get one or two to do it that quickly…

My advice would be to contact the department (if no contact information is listed in the ad, contact the Dept. chair or the chair's administrative assistant) and ask about where they are in review of applications and where or not it is too late.

I have been advised that although they may see review of applications will begin….. incomplete applications or late applications often end up in another pile that may or may not get looked at… I have seen this when I have served on a search committee. Best to get them in on time!

You can submit them, but do not be surprised if the institution rejects you just for being late. In this type of market, schools can be that picky (and I know of people last year who were told they were rejected just for being late). From my experience on job search committees, we only looked at late applications after we had run through interviewing all the people who were on time (that is to say, not until March or April). So…you may want to think hard about whether you want to potentially tick off your references by asking them to turn around letters with so little lead time (since letters are often weighed pretty heavily and you want to make sure you are putting your best foot forward with them).